Masonry competitions at Anhalt University in Germany

For several years, masonry competitions have been held in cooperation with the Hochschule Anhalt in Dessau, Germany. The competition is one of three key events, the others being a guest lecture, often with a focus on noise protection in building construction, and a plant tour in our nearby Laußig production site. These events are organized in collaboration with the university, with Xella providing sponsorship and materials for the competition.
This year, "Zukunft weißes Mauerwerk GmbH" supported the bricklaying competition and offered additional non-cash prizes. Prior to the competition, the university conducts lectures on masonry, giving students a task to design a masonry bond and allowing them to make preliminary cuts to the bricks. On the competition day, students construct their designs using small-format Calcium Silicate Unit (CSU) masonry.

Hands-on training with Xella Italy

In March, Xella Italy conducted a workshop for students of the technical institute for surveyors “S. Elia” of Cantù. The workshop began with a theoretical presentation by Xella’s Field Engineer Chiara Tovaglieri, followed by a practical demonstration led by Technical Demonstrator Luigi Cravedi. The students then had the opportunity to lay blocks themselves.
Xella Italy plans to expand its practical training sessions. In the second half of the year, for the third consecutive time, an event will be held in collaboration with the Architecture Department of the University of Ferrara, named “Cantiere in Aula.” Additionally, a new practical lesson will be conducted at the University of Bergamo, following a theoretical session earlier in the year.

Bricklayers' Guild competition in the Czech Republic

In May 2024, the finals of the Bricklayers' Guild competition took place in Prague. Six teams from construction schools across the Czech Republic, along with a guest team from Slovakia's Secondary School of Civil Engineering in Nitra, showcased their exceptional masonry skills using Ytong blocks.
Earlier in March, Xella supported the Murár competition, reinforcing the importance of practical development and collaboration between companies and educational institutions. The competition aimed to compare the abilities and skills of masonry students, promote the exchange of experiences, and motivate further professional growth. This year, fourteen teams from Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia participated, demonstrating their expertise with Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete, brick, and plaster.
The Murár competition exemplifies how cooperation between vocational schools and the industry can yield excellent results and open new opportunities for students.

These practical training initiatives are vital in equipping the next generation of builders with the skills and experiences needed for successful careers in the construction industry – and this is what we are doing all across Europe.